The Next Big Thing (Week 25)

How did I not know about this awesome longstanding writer meme So You Think You Can Write A Novel? Nice little play on my all time fave show So You Think You Can Dance! If you know me, or follow my randomness on Twitter, you know I get all sorts of gushy over the show.

Anyway, so my pal Alisha Klapheke tagged me in this wee meme where we get to [gasp] share some tidbits of our [lip quiver] current WIP and post a [near faints] Q & A session about it. Oi. If you're not a writer, you probably don't understand the palm-sweat-inducing nerves that posting bits of your coveted baby on the world wide web creates. Granted, if you're published, this is 'meh' to you. BUT! For us who still linger in the shadows, it can be darn right frightening. 

So here goes! [cracks knuckled and pops neck] Let's do dis.

#1. What is the working title of your book? BLOOD SHIFT, and that's the 3rd working title so far. Heh.

#2. Where did the idea come from for the book? After reading far too many YA novels than should be considered normal, a mini-movie starting flipping through my head. I also attribute it to my endless fascination with all things speculative as well as Celtic folklore.

#3. What genre does your book fall under? Hmmm. Good question. Young Adult Urban Fantasy is my guess.

#4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Oh boy! Love this. Okay. [rubs hands together with devilish glee] This part isn't nearly as fun without the visual aid, and it also eliminates the Wha...? Who? factor.

Bree has always been a Nina Dobrev (with curly hair) to me.

Kennon is rep'd by this one picture of Sam Claflin. 

All of Sam's other pics don't work. Or I would go with an Alex Pettyfer. Cuz...yummm

Tess is Blake Lively.

Lucy is Lauren Prepon, but with short hair...

Franco has been a young Dario Franchitti in my head. Now Dario's not an actor, but an Indy Race-car driver. The hot Scottish kind. Grrrr.

And G-ma I see as a Lois Smith.

#5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Ew. Hate this part. Ahem. When a seventeen year-old girl discovers the truth behind the whacked dreams plaguing her for months, she learns she has two choices: either suck it up and become the fighter her bloodline dictates, or turn away from her legacy, surrendering her soul to her birthright's wild energy.

#6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Not sure yet. Have some Indie Pubs that I'm looking at...

#7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? The first horrific rough draft? Four months. The last year attempting to make it not so horrific.

#8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I'm horrible at this, sorry, and really have NO idea how to answer this. I believe readers who liked the HUSH, HUSH series by Becca Fitzpatrick and maybe the LUX novels by Jennifer L. Armentrout would like BLOOD SHIFT. For those who've CP'd feel free to chime in here...

#9. Who or What inspired you to write this book? My friend Rachel. [BIG grin] She was the person who said "GO FOR IT" when I said I had an idea for a book. Heart her.

#10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Pishaw! I wrote it, duh! Totally kidding. Seriously, besides hot boys with accents who are swoonishly deadly, I believe it's a story about strength. Finding strength in those around you and also, and most importantly, within yourself.

You get all that? Fantastic! Now I'm going to tag a couple of wickedly talented people I know to continue this tradition for Week 26 next Wednesday.

The wonderfully sparkly Isabel Bandeira and uber awesome M.R. Polish (who might need a NaNo stress relief about now) will share some loveliness on their blogs next time so keep a watch out!